Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Trail #216A Ptarmigan

Area Status: Open

This trail climbs steadily, passing through forest and small meadows. Views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Yale Reservoir present themselves along the southern horizon. Provides main access to Monitor Ridge Climbing Route and Loowit Trail #216.

The junction with Loowit Trail #216 is reached in 2 miles. A basin below Monitor Ridge marks the end of the Ptarmigan Trail and a good lunch spot with views to the south. Beyond this point is the Monitor Ridge Climbing route, which requires a climbing permit.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	06/18/2021: Climbers Bivouac is open but with heavy snow in the surrounding area. Climbers using the Monitor Ridge route can anticipate hiking through snow immediately from the trailhead to the summit. Use good route-finding skills to avoid losing the trail to treeline.
Operational Hours:	Climber's Bivouac Trailhead normally accessible June through November.
Fees	$5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass required at Climber's Bivouac Trailhead. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Permit Info:	Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit required for each person, for each day, year round traveling above 4800 feet on the slopes of Mount St. Helens: April 1 through Oct. 31: Permits purchased in advance at Recreation.gov. On sale in March. Nov. 1 to March 31: Permits available at Marble Mountain Sno-Park Trailhead and are free.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer-Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Closest Towns:	Cougar, WA
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers

General Information

Directions:

Climbers Bivouac Trailhead

Activities

Bicycling

SHOW

Hiking

HIDE

Day Hiking

Backpacking

The junction with Loowit Trail #216 is reached in 2 miles. A composting toilet is located on a short, marked side trail, just beyond the junction. A basin below Monitor Ridge marks the end of the Ptarmigan Trail and a good lunch spot with views to the south. Beyond this point is the Monitor Ridge Climbing route, which requires a climbing permit.

Nature Viewing